title: DNA-dependent RNA polymerases from Drosophila melanogaster adults: isolation and partial characterization.
abstract: In preparation for the isolation and biochemical characterization of putative RNA polymerase mutants, DNA-dependent RNA polymerases of Drosophila melanogaster adults were isolated and partially characterized. Approximately 70% of the female adult RNA polymerase is located in ovaries. Multiple forms of ovarian RNA polymerases I and II are separable by DEAE-Sephadex chromatography. The two forms of RNA polymerase II differ in ammonium sulfate optima. RNA polymerase IIA is more active with double-stranded DNA as template, whereas RNA polymerase IIB transcribes single-stranded DNA most efficiently. Rechromatography of RNA polymerase IIA on DEAE-Sephadex results in the loss of ability of this form to transcribed double-stranded DNA most efficiently. Ovariectomized carcasses have two forms of RNA polymerase I and one form of RNA polymerase II and each transcribes single-stranded DNA most efficiently. As judged by gel filtration chromatography, female adult extracts have forms of RNA polymerase II that differ in molecular weight and template preference.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000546:Amanitins / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000201:enzymology; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D013379:Substrate Specificity
chemical_list: D000546:Amanitins; D012319:RNA Polymerase II; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases